Textbook Selection in Nursing Education: An Updated Perspective

Evidence-based guidelines about textbook selection for nursing didactic courses are lacking. Therefore, this study explored the priorities of faculty in baccalaureate nursing programs for selecting primary textbooks.

The study aimed to identify the ranking of essential characteristics in nursing textbooks, including content, general characteristics, supplemental resources, organization, and specific considerations about electronic textbooks.

Using a cross-sectional design, a descriptive survey was conducted among faculty members across the United States.

Results from 59 faculty participants demonstrated a strong preference for textbooks emphasizing clinical judgment and application to practice, with content being the top priority. Additionally, instructor resources, such as test banks and teaching strategies, were prioritized within supplemental resources. Few participants reported formal training in textbook selection, indicating a potential area for nursing education improvement.

The study found the need for further research and development of structured guidelines to aid in the textbook selection process.